Darkly She Goes

By Vincent Mallie and (none) Hubert

Once upon a time there was a fallen knight, who believed that saving a princess would allow him to atone for his crimes. Once upon a time there was a princess with dark power over nature, who believed that it was up to her to atone for the crimes of her parents...Banished for a fault that forever taints his reputation, Arzhur wanders from tavern to field of battle in search of the next contract which will fill his purse. One night, three mysterious old women offer him to regain honor and fortune if he frees the daughter of a neighboring king, held captive in the ruins of an abandoned castle. But Islen is not the damsel in distress that he expected to save. The two cannot resist each other, and a passionate romance threatens to derail their individual missions.Magnified by the virtuoso art of Vincent Mallié , Hubert questions the weight of family heritage and delivers, under the finery of a tale, an intimate reflection on our inner monsters.Darkly She Goes is an ode to redemption that pits free will against fate, brought to life by two masters of the fantasy genre.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Independent Publishers Group
• Release date: Jul 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781681123141

Book preview

Reviews for Darkly She Goes

[jennybeast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Somewhat peculiar fairy tale that's more in the realm of a contemplation on physical beauty than a morality tale. Fascinating illustrations, which work off this theme, and interesting depictions of part-bird or part-animal fairies. Not for kids -- some grim areas, depictions of abduction and rape, and violent conflicts.

[zoes_human · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

While it cleverly made the point that beauty is subjective, this book failed to make the point that it is also trivial. The characters lacked depth and tended to be somewhat stereotypical.

[francoisvigneault · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A terrific, transcendent riff on fairy tales, which at seems at first to be a great parody or sendup of the genre, but finally in my opinion BECOMES a great timeless story. Hilarious, tragic, and insightful writing by Hubert and carrer-best art by Kerascoët.

[kivarson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Deeply complex look at the structure and dynamics of power. Kerascoet’s exquisite panels shape the narrative; the subtle elements of composition create lyrical phrases which arc across each page. Within this rhythm of shape and form, the reader is invited to reflect upon hard won life lessons: beware the motives of those with enough power to bestow life altering gifts; beware the dangers of power held by those without wisdom; beware obsessive desire.

[mrgan-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Like 'Beautiful Darkness', this is a very clever reworking of the classic fairytale format. However, it's more than that—it's also a multigenerational, layered dynastic struggle, and a series of solid allegories on life. It works on its own even if you ignore its commentary on folklore; there's a trademark brand of bathos and morbid humor here that sets it apart from most reimaginings of the classics.

[michellebarton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Starting out like a typical fairy tale where the poor, picked on girl gets her wish when she does a good deed, but alas, be careful what you wish for because nothing is quite what it seems, as the old saying goes! Interesting in the extremes this story travels to and the changes brought about in our heroine by her circumstances, I was sucked right into it and had to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next.